Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the best–if not the best–Formula 1 driver Britain has ever known, and possibly (by the time he’s finished) the best in Formula 1 racing history. But where does he stand on the list of Britain’s all-time best sportspersons?
Now that Lewis Hamilton has secured his 6th world driver’s title, comparisons are inevitably being made to other Formula 1 greats. That’s because Hamilton is within one title of Michael Schumacher’s record of seven, and he has moved ahead of Juan Manuel Fangio (with five) and modern-day rival Sebastian Vettel (with four). Hamilton has also won double the titles of his childhood idol, Ayrton Senna (with three).
One thing is certain: Lewis Hamilton has assured his place in F1 folklore. He will always be considered as one of the greatest drivers ever to grace that sport.
Courtesy: Sunday Times Driving
But beyond motorsports, where does Hamiltion rank amongst the greatest of British sportsmen and women of all time?
To answer, let’s begin by going back in time. Hamilton started his F1 career in 2007 at McLaren, where he was 1 point–that’s right, just one point–from becoming the sport’s first-ever rookie world champion. His debut season was made even more impressive by the fact that his teammate was the reigning world champ, Fernando Alonso.
It is widely believed that if it were not for bitter in-team fighting between Hamilton and Alonso, and between Alonso and McLaren team boss, Ron Dennis, that Hamilton may have gone on to win the 2007 World title. What we know for sure is that the won it in 2008. and that he’s still at the very top of his profession a decade later. He’s the only driver in F1 history to win at least one Grand Prix in every season in which he has competed.
Hamilton’s longevity and his annual successes put him at the top of British sports greats. While that’s saying something, others have had success, too.
Sir Steve Redgrave won five Olympic rowing gold medals at five successive Olympic Games.
Mo Farah (photo, The Times)
Sir Andy Murray was Britain’s first male tennis singles Grand Slam winner, and is a two-time Wimbledon and Olympic champion.
Sir Mo Farah was a multiple world and Olympic champion at 10,000 and 5,000 meters.
Chris Froome was a four-time Tour de France winner.
Sir Chris Hoy was Britain’s greatest Olympian in terms of Gold medals won, six.
Other greats starred in team sports. In football, that includes World Cup winners Sir Bobby Moore and Sir Bobby Charlton, and more recently, stars like Wayne Rooney, who’s England’s all-time goalscorer. There have been cricket greats, like Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, and Sir Alistair Cook. There are rugby heroes, as well, especially those who played on England’s 2003 World Cup win, including the likes of Jonny Wilkinson and Martin Johnson.
The list goes on of British sports stars who have achieved incredible things in their careers–sports personalities who are hugely respected and highly regarded for their achievements.
Where does Lewis Hamilton stand? In my opinion, he is the greatest British sportsperson of all time.
With Hamilton’s career not yet over–and probably far from it–the remaining question is: Will Lewis Hamilton become the greatest sports figure the world has ever known?
